Hurt: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe physical or emotional pain. Commonly used in everyday conversation.

• I hurt my ankle while jogging.
• Her words really hurt my feelings.

Refers to physical damage to a person or animal, often used in medical or emergency contexts. Generally implies a more serious or specific injury.

• The soccer player was injured during the match.
• He was injured in a car accident.

Describes physical harm caused to objects, buildings, or systems. Can also refer to harm to reputations. Often used in more formal and technical scenarios.

• The storm caused significant damage to the houses along the coast.
• His actions have damaged the company's reputation.

Refers to physical or psychological injury or damage. Often used in discussions about long-term or serious consequences; includes negative connotation.

• Secondhand smoke can harm your health.
• The policy changes may inadvertently harm the environment.

Used when someone is in physical or emotional pain.

• She hurt her knee while playing soccer
• His words really hurt my feelings

Used when someone feels emotionally disturbed or unhappy, usually in a milder sense.

• She was upset because she lost her favorite book
• The argument left him feeling upset

Used to refer to physical injuries, particularly cuts or breaks in the skin, or deep emotional pain.

• The soldier had a deep wound on his leg
• Her harsh words left a wound in his heart

Used to describe extreme anxiety or sorrow, often in serious or emergency situations.

• The news of the accident left her in great distress
• Seeing the animals in distress was heartbreaking

You would use 'hurt' to describe feeling physical or emotional pain, typically not severe. It's also used to describe someone feeling bad emotionally because of someone's actions or words.

• Her rude comments hurt my feelings
• My ankle hurts after jogging

Pain refers to an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience usually associated with actual or potential tissue damage. It can vary from mild discomfort to severe agony.

• She felt a sharp pain in her back
• The medication helped relieve his pain

Soreness typically describes a mild and often temporary discomfort in the muscles or a part of the body, usually caused by overuse or minor injury.

• After the workout, he experienced soreness in his legs
• She has some soreness in her throat

This term is suitable for describing physical harm or damage to the body, often requiring medical attention.

• He had a serious injury after the car accident
• She suffered a knee injury playing soccer